Safaricom Unveils Program to Accelerate Kenyan Startups

Safaricom has opened applications for the 2025 edition of its Spark Accelerator Program, a platform designed to support bold and visionary early-stage startups. The 14-week program, scheduled to commence in August 2025, aims to empower businesses with the resources and tools needed to scale.

The initiative is a collaboration between Safaricom, M-PESA Africa, and Sumitomo Corporation and is implemented by iHub LTD. Speaking on their mission, Safaricom said, “Our mission is anchored around a purpose of transforming lives. Our goal is simple yet powerful: to empower startups with the access they need to succeed.”

To qualify, startups must be based in Kenya and demonstrate a strategic fit with key focus areas. They must have a post-revenue product, be willing to accept equity participation, and consist of a multi-skilled team with sector-specific expertise. The program is open to startups up to the Series A stage.

The Spark Accelerator focuses on startups working in Embedded Finance—such as Open Finance and Agency as a Service—SME Productivity Tools, including merchant loyalty, e-commerce enablement, and AI-driven business automation like tax compliance and fraud detection. It also supports innovations in Future Fintech, such as proximity payments, blockchain, and AI for wealth management. Additionally, startups in the Creative Economy sector—covering gaming, advertising, digital content, and immersive experiences—are encouraged to apply.

Participants will receive extensive support, including access to Safaricom’s products and technology, M-PESA and Daraja Open APIs, and AWS Activate credits of up to $25,000. The program also offers technical mentorship, business development support, and go-to-market assistance. Selected startups will tap into Safaricom’s customer base of over 30 million users and its broad partner network.